In the wake of a devastating murder-suicide that shattered a California family, a new battle is unfolding — this time over custody of the lone survivor.

On January 15, 2026, 52-year-old Hector Lionel Alfaro opened fire inside the family home in Lakewood, Los Angeles County. He fatally shot his wife, 48-year-old Roxana Rodriguez, and their 17-year-old daughter, Sienna Alfaro, in separate bedrooms. The gunman then turned the weapon on himself in front of the couple’s 19-year-old daughter, who miraculously escaped injury despite the chaos. Authorities recovered two firearms at the scene and quickly ruled the incident a murder-suicide.

The surviving young woman, left emotionally traumatized, now faces an uncertain future as relatives clash over who should raise her. Roxana Rodriguez’s mother — the girl’s maternal grandmother — has come forward with a firm declaration: she intends to step up and provide a stable home for her granddaughter, the only child left from the immediate family unit.

Speaking out amid profound grief, the grandmother expressed her determination to honor her daughter’s memory by offering love, support, and guidance to the young survivor. She described Roxana as a devoted mother who always prioritized her children, and emphasized the need for the girl to remain connected to her maternal roots during this healing process.

However, the situation has grown contentious. Members of Hector Alfaro’s family are reportedly intervening, attempting to prevent or complicate the grandmother’s custody plans. The opposition has sparked tension, with both sides navigating legal and emotional complexities in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. While details of any formal court filings remain limited, the dispute highlights the deep divisions that can emerge when tragedy strikes a blended family.

The surviving daughter has been supported by immediate relatives, including her older sister’s husband, who launched fundraising efforts to cover expenses related to the tragedy and ongoing needs. Community vigils have honored Roxana and Sienna, drawing attention to issues of domestic violence and the long-term impact on survivors.

As investigations continue and no definitive motive has been released, the focus now shifts to the young woman’s well-being. Experts note that custody battles following such events often involve considerations of emotional stability, family ties, and the survivor’s own wishes — factors that could play a key role here.

This heartbreaking story serves as a stark reminder of how violence can ripple outward, leaving shattered lives and difficult decisions in its wake. For now, the grandmother’s resolve to nurture her granddaughter stands in direct contrast to the resistance from the other side, setting the stage for what may become a prolonged and painful legal fight.